Chiropractic News and Research by ChiroNexus

Migraine Drug May Increase Risk of Kidney Stones

April 16, 2013

Topomax, a medication frequently prescribed for migraine headaches as well as weight loss, may up the risk of kidney stones. In a study published by the National Kidney Foundation, researchers found that the drug appeared to deplete citrate in the urine of patients, an ion that helps inhibit the calcium salt crystallization that can develop into some types of kidney stones. The study included 12 patients who were prescribed Topomax by providers in a headache clinic. A 24-hour urine sample was collected before beginning the medication, and again 30 days and 60 days after starting the drug. On average, the patients' urinary citrate excretion decreased to 279 mg per day after being on Topomax for 30 days.

Teen Smokers At Risk of Osteoporosis

April 16, 2013

Smoking at a young age can increase your risk of osteoporosis and spinal pain, according to recent research. Earlier studies have shown that smoking, anxiety, and depression can decrease bone mineral density in adults, which elevates the risk of the brittle-bone disease, osteoporosis. However little research has examined the effects of such factors in teens. In new study from Journal of Adolescent Health, 262 girls between the ages of 11 and 19 were given annual clinical exams.

Treating Your Child's Ear Infections Without Antibiotics

April 15, 2013

Most kids will have at least one ear infection during childhood. They occur when the Eustachian tube inside the ear becomes blocked or inflamed.

Video: Chiropractic Prevents the Need for Back Surgery

April 15, 2013

Seeing a chiropractor can help you avoid back surgery, according to a new study in the journal Spine. Researchers studied nearly 2,000 injured workers with back pain, and found that the health-care provider significantly affected a patient's likelihood of receiving surgery. People who first visited a medical doctor for their back pain were more likely to have an operation than people who first visited a chiropractor.

Immediate Relief of Hip Pain After Manual Therapy

April 12, 2013

Manual therapy can lead to immediate improvements in hip pain, a new study suggests. Earlier research has shown that manual therapies like chiropractic can reduce symptoms in patients suffering from hip osteoarthritis.

Acupuncture Better Than Drugs for Menstrual Pain

April 12, 2013

Suffering from a bad bout of PMS? Time to put down the ibuprofen and visit your local acupuncture clinic. New research shows that acupuncture is more effective than medications for managing severe menstrual pain, or primary dysmenorrhea. While most women experience menstrual pain at some point in their lives, for some, the pain can be debilitating enough to interfere with work, school, and daily activities.

Back and Neck Pain Can Deprive You of Sleep

April 11, 2013

Chronic pain in the neck and low back can cause a host of lifestyle problems and health complications. A retrospective study has shown that chronic back and neck pain can lead to sleep impairment as well. Researchers in Germany evaluated 1,016 patient records from an orthopedic department at a university hospital. All the patients had consulted orthopedic doctors with chronic neck pain or chronic low back pain.

Why You Shouldn't Stretch Before Exercise

April 11, 2013

Many trainers will tell you to stretch before hitting a hard round of weight lifting or running. But recent research suggests that static stretching before a work out can actually hinder athletic performance. Two new studies add to the growing body of research on stretching and performance.

Treating ADHD With Exercise

April 10, 2013

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects somewhere between 3% to 7% of school-age American children. Doctors commonly treat ADHD with stimulant medications (such as Ritalin) and amphetamines (such as Adderall).

Experts Say Fibromyalgia Patients Should Avoid Pain Meds

April 10, 2013

Prescriptions for painkillers have increased dramatically in the past decade, as more patients with chronic pain are becoming reliant on opioid drugs like Vicodin and Percocet. Despite the growing use of opioids to treat chronic pain like fibromyalgia, little research has examined the long-terms effects of such drugs on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM). "Given the profound lack of controlled or anecdotal efficacy evidence supporting the use of opioids in FM, their prevalence as a treatment option is of great concern," stated Jacob T.